The minimum 5% down will still remain for owner occupied properties whereas minimum 20% down will apply to non-owner occupied properties. First time home buyers will have to now qualify based on a 5yr fixed rate as oppose to a 3yr rate. Effective, April 19th.  

Just added this listing: "Call this newest home on the block 'Home Sweet Home'! Located in the family section of popular Georgian Park, this single wide, 2 bdrm / 1 bath features open kitchen plan with cupboards to spare. Enjoy summer evenings with 'after dinner'coffee on deck off the living room. This large lot has space for 5 vehicles or RV..or space to build large side deck. Quick possession will allow time to plant your spring garden. This quality well-built 2x6 mobile is perfect for retire ... Full Article...

According to the March BC Business magazine, Abbotsford has been tagged as one of BC's new 'hot pockets' to watch for and invest in for 2010...sharing the spotlight with Vancouver's Chinatown, downtown Victoria, Richmond and Surrey city central. Abbotsford is the fifth largest city and one of the fastest growing municipalities in BC with a population that has almost quadrupled between 1975 and 2005, from 35,000 residents to 135,000. For more on Abbotsford 'Hot Pocket' ...

Recent statistics from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board show that stronger than expected Fraser Valley home sales during the Olympics. MLS recorded 1204 sales in February, an increase of 23% over January's sales and an increase of 77% over the 682 sales during February 2009. Buyers are aware of two key changes that could impact their purchasing ability. The new mortgage rules in effect April 19...and the HST arriving July 1. MLS received 2879 new listings in February, an average of 144 pe ... Full Article...

As of January 1, 2010, the Strata Property Act changed to the degree that business as usual with respect to condos and rental restrictions is no longer. The rules have changed in respect to any new developments where the developer's Rental Disclosure Statement was filed on or after January 1, 2010. What does this mean? There is now real possibilities that developers can create strata complexes that effectively have no ability to limit or prohibit rentals. It also means that a developer may dec ... Full Article...

The mortgage rule changes announced in February by Financial Minister Jim Flaherty will weigh a bit on real estate speculators and heavily indebted people who want to fold their high-rate credit card debt into a lower-rate mortgage. But for rank and file homebuyers, the changes will barely be perceptible when they take effect on April 19. ...But the 35-year amortization, favourite of first-time buyers across this land, remains. So does the 5-per-cent down payment, which is heavily relied upon i ... Full Article...